Abstract:
Depressive symptoms may increase the risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. Consumption of omega-3 PUFA may alleviate both cognitive decline and depression.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the benefits of supplementing a diet with omega-3 PUFA, DHA and EPA, for depressive symptoms, quality of life (QOL) and cognition in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment.

We conducted a 6-month double-blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 people aged >65 years with mild cognitive impairment were allocated to receive a supplement rich in:

• There were no treatment effects on other cognitive or QOL parameters.

Increased intakes of DHA and EPA benefited mental health in older people with mild cognitive impairment. Increasing omega-3 PUFA intakes may reduce depressive symptoms and the risk of progressing to dementia.

This needs to be investigated in larger, depressed samples with mild cognitive impairment.